EDF Go Electric and Export Exclusive
We moved import and export to EDF because the 24p per kWh export rate changed the overall calculation for our solar and Powerwall setup. The import tariff also gives us a cheap overnight window, while Smart Charging controls compatible EV charging through our Hypervolt.
This combination suits a home that exports a meaningful amount of solar and avoids most peak-rate import. It will not automatically be the best answer for every household.
Read our full reasoning and tariff comparison.
Get an EDF quote using our referral link. Check current tariff and referral terms directly with EDF before switching.
Tesla Powerwall 3
The Powerwall combines battery storage, solar integration and backup power in a polished system. It has been reliable for us and works well with tariff-based charging, but it remains a major investment and should be judged against realistic household usage rather than energy-independence marketing alone.
Hypervolt Pro 3
We bought the Hypervolt after ongoing connectivity and app issues with our Pod Point. The Hypervolt has been much more dependable, its app is clearer and it exposes useful data to Home Assistant. It also supports EDF Smart Charging.
Home Assistant Green
Home Assistant Green gave us a straightforward way to start running Home Assistant locally without building a server first. It now connects energy, charging, sensors and household devices. The platform has a learning curve, but it offers far more control than a collection of separate manufacturer apps.
Philips Hue
Hue costs more than many alternatives, but long-term reliability and broad support across Apple Home and Home Assistant have justified the premium for us. Browse Philips Hue on Amazon.
Meross smart plugs
Compact plugs with useful energy monitoring and support for both Apple Home and Home Assistant. We use them selectively rather than putting every appliance behind a smart plug. Browse Meross smart plugs on Amazon.
Aqara sensors and doorbell
Aqara’s small Zigbee sensors have been reliable and economical, while the doorbell gives us Apple Home integration without a mandatory subscription. Browse Aqara temperature sensors or see the Aqara doorbell.
UniFi Dream Router 7 and U7 Lite
This combination fixed the weak coverage and unreliable extender experience in our UK home. It also gives us remote management, multiple networks and VPN connections between the UK and France.
The system costs more and requires more involvement than a provider-supplied router. For our connected-home setup, the additional visibility and control have been worthwhile.
UniFi Dream Router 7 on Amazon, UniFi U7 Lite on Amazon, and UniFi PoE injector on Amazon.
Cards and cashback
We use the British Airways American Express Premium Plus, a Virgin Atlantic card and Quidco because they fit our own travel and spending patterns. Reward cards are only worthwhile when fees, eligibility, repayment behaviour and the ability to use the rewards all make sense.
BA Amex referral link, Virgin Money referral page, and Quidco referral link.
A recommendation stays here only while we would still choose it ourselves.